India to set up satellite tracking station in Vietnam

January 25, 2016, 3:38 PM IST

New Delhi : India is all set to launch a satellite tracking and imaging centre in southern Vietnam that will give Hanoi access to pictures from Indian earth observation satellites that would cover China and the South China Sea.

Since long Vietnam has been looking for advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance technologies as tensions rise with China over the disputed South China Sea, reports Dawn.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will fund and set up the satellite tracking and data reception centre in Ho Chi Minh City to monitor Indian satellite launches which would cost around 23 million dollars.

The earth observation satellites will have agricultural, scientific and environmental applications and security experts informed that improved imaging technology meant the pictures could also be used for military purposes.

The deepening ties between two countries could irritate China who both has long running territorial dispute with Vietnam.(ANI)